ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on National Family Planning Program
Mission Parivar Vikas implemented in 13 states
31 out of 36 States/ UTs have achieved replacement level fertility
The Government accords top priority to the National Family Planning Program, which is guided by the tenets of the National Population Policy 2000 and National Health Policy 2017, to address the unmet need for Family Planning.
The following steps have been taken by the Government:
- Expanded Contraceptive Choices
- Mission Parivar Vikas  implemented in 13 states for substantially increasing access to contraceptives and family planning services.
- Compensation scheme for sterilization acceptors which provides compensation for loss of wages to the beneficiary and also to the service provider team for conducting sterilization.
- Post-partum Intra-uterine contraceptive device  services are provided post delivery.
- Scheme for Home Delivery of contraceptives by ASHAs at doorstep of beneficiaries.
- Family Planning Logistics Management Information System  to ensure last mile availability of family planning commodities across all the levels of health facilities.
The following progress has been achieved by the Government:
- The Total Fertility Rate  declined to 2.0 in 2019-21  which is below replacement level.
- 31 out of 36 States/ UTs have achieved replacement level fertility .
- The Modern Contraceptive usage has increased to 56.5% .
- The Unmet Need for Family Planning has decreased to 9.4% .
- The Crude Birth Rate  has declined to 19.5 in 2020 .
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
President's Secretariat
President of India Inaugurates Arogya Vanam at President’s Estate
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated today  a newly developed Arogya Vanam at the President’s Estate in the presence of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.
Spread in 6.6 acres, the Arogya Vanam has been developed in the shape of a human sitting in the Yoga Mudra. It consists of around 215 herbs and plants used for therapeutic purposes in Ayurveda. Some of the other features of this Vanam are water fountains, Yoga platform, water channel, lotus pond and a view point.
The concept of Arogya Vanam has been conceived with the aim of publicising the importance of Ayurvedic plants and their effects on human body.
This Vanam will be now open for public viewing.
Prime Minister's Office
PM's greetings on Dhanteras
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greated the people on the auspicious occasion of Dhanteras. In a tweet he said that may the Lord Dhanwantari bring happiness, prosperity, good fortune and good health in everyone's life.
Ministry of Electronics & IT
UIDAI to conduct ‘Aadhaar Hackathon-2021’ from 28th October to 31st October, 2021
Getting enthusiastic response; 2700+ registrations received, so far
To celebrate the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” and to promote culture of innovation among Indian Youth, UIDAI is conducting ‘Aadhaar Hackathon 2021’ from 28th October, 2021 to 31st October, 2021.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that “Innovation is not merely a word or an event. It's an ongoing process. You can innovate only when you understand a problem and try to find out its solution. We must go to the root of the problem and find out of the box solutions. In the era where knowledge is power, innovation is the driver of growth.” On these guiding lines, UIDAI has initiated ‘Aadhaar Hackathon-2021’ to enhance the experience of the residents and the way they interface with enrolment and authentication software platforms through technological innovations. The hackathon consists of multiple problem statements categorized under two broad themes i.e. Enrolment and Authentication. So far, UIDAI has received more than 2700+ registrations from the Engineering Students in last few days, which in itself explains the inclination of the young minds in solving real-life challenges being faced by the Residents. Participation includes Students from all categories of Engineering Institutes i.e. IITs, NITs and NIRF and many top ranked colleges from all corners of the country - from eastern states like Arunachal Pradesh to J&K in North.
In order to assist these young budding minds, Online interactive sessions on a daily basis are also being conducted by UIDAI Team to explain the problem statements with appropriate use cases. These sessions essentially cover problem statements, details of UIDAI APIs and products, which would be required to build custom solutions. These interactive sessions have been widely received and appreciated by many young innovators/participants.
Evaluation of the submission has been planned through a jury based approach comprising of senior members/officials from the IT Industry, Academia, Consulting and Government by UIDAI. These members would evaluate the submissions through a structured process to identify the best solution, which will be rewarded by UIDAI and the team would be offered a placement, subject to fulfillment of other terms and conditions.
“As Aadhaar is already empowering residents, I wish all the best to these participants and hope that our young innovators, the building pillars of ‘New India’ will come up and surprise us with some outstanding approaches/solutions to strengthen the current ‘Aadhaar infrastructure’ which is ultimately beneficial for the residents in deriving maximum value from ‘Aadhaar’ related services”, said Dr. Saurabh Garg, CEO, UIDAI.
Details of the ‘Aadhaar Hackathon 2021’ are available at https://hackathon.uidai.gov.in/ .
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Dr. Harsh Vardhan reviews actions taken and further preparedness on Novel Coronavirus 
“Dedicated teams to visit quarantine facilities to assess and monitor on a regular basis”
Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare chaired a high level review meeting with senior officials of the Ministry, MS/Director of Central Government Hospitals such as Safdurjung, Dr RML Hospital and AIIMS, here today.
At the outset, the Union Health Minister appreciated the various actions being undertaken in close coordination with various ministries at the central level, States as well as Indian embassies abroad. He also lauded the States for active surveillance, effective contact tracing and their preparedness for containment and management of COVID-19.
He reviewed the preparedness regarding hospital management such as OPD blocks, availability of testing kits, personal protective equipment , medicines, and adequate isolation wards. He directed hospitals to ensure adequate availability of protective gear for all healthcare workers. He was informed that adequate quantity of Personal Protections Equipments , masks, sanitizers, handheld thermometers etc., are being procured and provided to the designated places as per demand along with maintaining the stock to address any future demand.
Dr Harsh Vardhan reviewed in great detail the quarantine facilities for the evacuees including the ones at the airports/other key transit points, in terms of segregation of passengers, transportation to the quarantine facilities, health checks-ups etc. The Health Minister has directed for teams to be deputed to regularly inspect and monitor the quarantine facilities to ensure that the necessary amenities and facilities are being provided. The Minister stated that he shall be reviewing the same everyday with the aim of improving them. He further added that he is reviewing the situation with the respective States/UTs.
Highlighting the critical important of effective communication as a tool of crisis management, Dr. Harsh Vardhan advised for multi-media communication campaigns that would focus on different aspects such as preventive measures, busting myths, equipping the masses with information on guidelines, advisories, testing labs, etc.
Ministry of Finance
Cabinet approves demerger of Nagarnar Steel Plant from NMDC Ltd. and strategic disinvestment of demergedentity
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ‘in-principle’ approval to the demerger of Nagarnar Steel Plant  from National Minerals Development Corporation  Ltd. and strategic disinvestment of the demerged company  by selling entire Government of India stake in it to a strategic buyer.
NSP is a three million ton per annum  Integrated Steel Plant being set up by NMDC at Nagarnar, Bastar District, Chhattisgarh in an area of 1980 acres at revised estimated cost of Rs.23,140 crore . As on date NMDC has invested Rs 17,186 Crore on the project out of which Rs 16,662 crore is from NMDC's own funds and Rs 524 crore has been raised from bond market.
With the approval, CCEA has amended its earlier decision taken on 27th October, 2016, to disinvest Nagarnar Steel Plant as a unit of NMDC.
The proposal to demerge the NSP into a separate company before its disinvestment has the following advantages:
-
- With demerger, NMDC can focus on its core activities ofmining;
- After demerger, NSP shall be a separate company and the managements of NMDC and NSP shall be accountable for their respective operations and financial performance. Shareholders of NMDC will also be shareholders of the demerged company  in the proportion of their shareholding.
- After the demerger, investors will have better visibility of the operations and cash flow of NMDC and NSP separately.
- The demerger will also be tax neutral from the point of view of capital gains.
The CCEA has taken note that the process of demerger and disinvestment will be initiated in parallel and disinvestment of demerged company  is expected to be completed by September 2021.
NMDC is a listed CPSE under the Ministry of Steel and Government of India has 69.65 % shareholding in the Company.
Ministry of Defence
INS TARKASH IN PORT GENTIL, GABON
FIRST EVER VISIT BY AN INDIAN NAVAL WARSHIP
INS Tarkash made a port call at Port Gentil, Gabon as part of her ongoing deployment in the Gulf of Guinea for anti-piracy patrol. This marks the first visit by any Indian Naval Ship to Gabon.
During her stay in harbour, the ship and her crew will participate in official and professional interactions as well as sports fixtures.
Her professional interactions will include discussions and drills on fire fighting and damage control, medical and casualty evacuation issues, and diving operations. There will also be familiarisation visits. In addition, yoga sessions and social interactions are also planned.
The ship will also remain open to visitors.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles demise of Former Union Minister Shri Chaman Lal Gupta
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the demise of Former Union Minister, Shri Chaman Lal Gupta Ji.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "Shri Chaman Lal Gupta Ji will be remembered for numerous community service efforts. He was a dedicated legislator and strengthened the BJP across Jammu and Kashmir. Pained by his demise. My thoughts are with his family and supporters in this hour of grief. Om Shanti."
Ministry of Education
NCTE under Ministry of Education invites applications for the 4 Year Integrated Teacher Education Programme 
National Council for Teacher Education  invites online application for the 4 Year Integrated Teacher Education Programmes  for Academic Session 2023-24. ITEP, as notified on 22nd October 2021, is a dual-major holistic bachelor’s degree offering B.A. B.Ed./ B. Sc. B. Ed. and B.Com. B.Ed. It is one of the major mandates of the National Education Policy 2020 related to Teacher Education. It will be offered in pilot mode initially in multidisciplinary Central/State Government Universities/Institutions across the country. Admission for the same will be carried out by the National Testing Agency  through the National Common Entrance Test .
National Council for Teacher Education  under Ministry of Education has devised the curriculum for this course as per NEP 2020 in such a way that it enables a student-teacher to get a degree in education as well as a specialized discipline such as history, mathematics, science, arts, economics, or commerce. ITEP will not only impart cutting-edge pedagogy but will also establish a foundation in early childhood care and education , foundational literacy and numeracy , inclusive education, and an understanding of India and its values/ethos/art/traditions, among others. The 4 Year ITEP will be available for all students who choose teaching as a profession after secondary, by choice. This integrated course will benefit students since they will save one year by finishing it in four years rather than the customary five years required by the present B.Ed. plan. The 4 Year ITEP is a milestone achievement in fulfilling one of the major mandates of National Education Policy 2020. The course will contribute substantially to the revitalization of the whole teacher education sector. The prospective teachers passing out of this course through a multi-disciplinary environment, grounded in Indian values and traditions will be instilled with the needs of 21st century on global standards, and hence will be largely helpful in shaping the future of New India.
For more details regarding this programme, please refer to the National Council for Teacher Education  Amendment Regulations, 2021, notified in the Gazette of India on 26.10.2021, for Norms and Standards. The multidisciplinary Central/State Government Universities/Institutions may submit the online application for being recognized for the 4 Year ITEP shall apply from 1st to 31st May 2022 . Please visit https://ncte.gov.in/ITEP for more information.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Kharif crop sowing crosses 115.90 lakh hectare area
The total sown area as on 22nd June 2018, as per reports received from States, stands at 115.90 lakh hectare as compared to 128.35 lakh hectare at this time last year.
It is reported that rice has been sown/transplanted in 10.67 lakh ha, pulses in 5.91 lakh ha, coarse cereals in 16.69 lakh ha, sugarcane in 50.01 lakh hectare and cotton in 20.68 lakh ha.
The details of the area covered so far and that covered during this time last year are given below:
lakh hectare
|
|
Crop
|
|
Area sown in 2018-19
|
|
Area sown in 2017-18
|
|
Rice
|
|
10.67
|
|
11.17
|
|
Pulses
|
|
5.91
|
|
7.82
|
|
Coarse Cereals
|
|
16.69
|
|
18.34
|
|
Oilseeds
|
|
5.03
|
|
9.93
|
|
Sugarcane
|
|
50.01
|
|
49.48
|
|
Jute & Mesta
|
|
6.91
|
|
6.91
|
|
Cotton
|
|
20.68
|
|
24.70
|
|
Total
|
|
115.90
|
|
128.35
AK
(
Prime Minister's Office
English rendering of Address by the Prime Minister at the India-Italy Virtual Bilateral Summit
(Excellency,
Namaskar!
Thank you for your introductory remarks!
As you said, I had to postpone my visit to Italy in May due to COVID-19. The good thing is that today we are able to meet through virtual medium. First of all, I along with all the citizens of India empathise for the damage caused by coronavirus in Italy. When other countries in the world were trying to comprehend the coronavirus, you were battling this calamity.
You quickly controlled a very difficult situation with complete success and organized the entire country. Italy's success in those first months of the pandemic inspired us all. Your experiences guided us all.
Excellency,
Like you, I am also committed to further broadening and deepening the relations between India and Italy. Your visit to India for the Tech Summit in 2018 and our meeting touched on many aspects and the people of India also developed a new inquisitiveness towards Italy. It is a matter of happiness that there has been a lot of momentum in mutual exchanges after our talks in 2018.
I am happy to know that the Italian Parliament has set up the India-Italy Friendship Group last year. I hope that we will have the opportunity to welcome Italian Parliament members to India once the COVID situation improves.
Excellency,
It's clear that the COVID-19 pandemic will remain a watershed in history like the Second World War. We all have to adapt ourselves to this new world, the post-Corona world, and have to be prepared in a new way for the challenges and opportunities arising from this.
I am confident that our today's discussions will further strengthen our relations, enhance mutual understanding and help identify new areas of cooperation.
DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered in Hindi.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Collection of Toll through Fastag
In order to promote seamless movement and to decongest the fee plazas and for promoting digital payments, Government has decided that all the lanes in the National Highway fee plazas shall be declared as ‘FASTag lane of the Fee Plaza’ by 1st of December 2019 except one lane on either side which shall be kept as Hybrid lane.
This information was given by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Paddy straw generated in Punjab, Haryana and U.P. expected to come down significantly this year
Attempts to reduce paddy straw generation yielding positive results
Both Central & NCR State Governments have taken steps to reduce paddy straw generation
Through crop & varietal diversification, increased focus on in-situ crop residue management including extensive use of bio-decomposers, promotion of ex-situ utilisation of straw and extensive IEC activities and awareness programs, better crop residue management is expected
Steps taken towards reduction in paddy straw generation is yielding positive results. The total paddy area in the states of Haryana, Punjab and eight NCR Districts of Uttar Pradesh  have come down by 7.72 per cent during the current year as compared to last year. Similarly, total paddy straw generation from the non-basmati variety is likely to be reduced by 12.42 per cent during the current year as compared to the previous year.
Both Central and State Governments of Haryana, Punjab and U.P. have been taking measures to diversify crops as well as to reduce the use of PUSA-44 variety of paddy. Burning of paddy straw from the non-basmati variety of crops is the prime concern. Crop diversification and moving away from PUSA-44 variety with short duration High Yielding Varieties are part of the framework and action plan for control of stubble burning.
As per data received from the State Governments of Haryana, Punjab and U.P., the total amount of paddy straw generated will come down this year. The total paddy straw generation is likely to come down by 1.31 million tonnes  in Punjab; by 0.8 million tonnes  in Haryana and; by 0.09 million tonnes  in the eight NCR districts of U.P. this year.
The total quantity of straw generated by the respective states was 28.4 million tonnes in 2020 which is now expected to come down to 26.21 million tonnes in 2021.
The decrease in non-basmati variety is expected to be even higher. Paddy straw generation specifically from the non-basmati variety of crops is expected to decrease from 17.82 million tonnes in 2020 to 16.07 million tonnes in 2021 in Punjab and from 3.5 million tonnes in 2020 to 2.9 million tonnes in 2021 in Haryana.
The Commission through a comprehensive framework had directed the respective State Governments to promote short duration and early maturing varieties of crops since they can be managed quite efficiently and provide a much wider window for paddy straw management. As per recommendations of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, CAQM had actively pursued with State Governments for promotion of the same.
Apart from this, the Crop Diversification Programs are also being implemented in the states of Punjab and Haryana along with the NCR Districts of U.P. to divert the area of water-guzzling paddy to alternate crops.
President's Secretariat
Envoys of Four Nations Present credentials to President of India
High Commissioner of South Africa as well as Ambassadors of China, Somalia and Greece presented credentials to the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan today .
The envoys who presented their credentials were: -
1. Mr Joel Sibusiso Ndebele, High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa
2. Mr Sun Weidong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China
3. Mrs Faduma Abdullahi Mohamud, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia
4. Mr Dionyssios Kyvetos, Ambassador of the Greece
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Environment Minister Terms Budget As All-Inclusive, Growth Oriented New India Budget
“Special Scheme to Address Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR Region to Support Efforts of Neighbouring States”: Dr. Harsh Vardhan
Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Science & Technology, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has termed the General Budget 2018-19 presented in Parliament today as “A growth-oriented New India Budget for Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas.” In a statement here today, the Minister said that the Budget gives further muscle to Modiji's fight against corruption will bring down the rural-urban divide. He said that it is an all-inclusive budget and interests of every section of the society have been taken care of.
Dr. Harsh Vardhan referred to the special scheme to be implemented to address Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR Region in a bid to support efforts of the governments of Haryana, Punjab, UP and Delhi. “Machinery required for institutional management of crop residue will be subsidized. Our scientists are also working to develop a viable process to handle stubble”, the Minister added.
The Minister emphasised that no earlier government thought of amending the vintage Indian Forest Act and give some relief to small and marginal bamboo farmers, mainly from the North East. “Removal of bamboo from the definition of ‘tree’ was historic; the amendment was made after 90 years, which would now legally help cultivation and monetisation of bamboo through Restructured National Bamboo Mission and help the rural economy, especially in the North Eastern region,” Dr. Vardhan said.
The Minister mentioned that DST will launch a Mission on Cyber Physical Systems to support establishment of centres of excellence. “Allocation doubled for Digital India programme to Rs. 3073 crore in 2018-19”, stated Dr. Harsh Vardhan.
Dr. Harsh Vardhan also added that the Budget pushes Innovation Ecosystem to the forefront, with investment in research, training and skilling in Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Manufacturing, Big Data Analysis, Quantum Communication and Internet of Things will give an opportunity to Indian computer professionals to take on competition in these sunlight areas.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Darjeeling Tea
For protection of Darjeeling Tea from cheap tea of other regions, Tea Board has put in place Darjeeling Trade Chain Integrity System wherein permission from Tea Board is required to deal/sale Darjeeling Tea. As on date, each packet sold as Darjeeling Tea has to mandatorily source 100% teas from Darjeeling only. Additionally, Tea Board has issued labelling guidelines for packers who intend to sell Darjeeling Tea.
This information was given by the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.